Strelitzia nicolai, the giant bird of paradise
Strelitzia nicolai
- Exposure
- Sun
- Hardiness (USDA)
- 10a (-1.1°C ≤ T° < 1.7°C)
- Lifecycle
- Perennial
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Family
- Strelitziaceae
- Genus
- Bird of paradise Strelitzia
- Species
- Giant bird of paradise Strelitzia nicolai
Of all the birds of paradise, Strelitzia nicolai is undoubtedly the largest. Whether in the coastal forests of South Africa or in your living room, this plant—native to the Strelitziaceae family—towers over almost all other species.
How can you recognize the giant bird of paradise, Strelitzia nicolai?
In the wild, Strelitzia nicolai reaches a height of ten meters and a spread of three meters. Indoors and in a pot, it typically grows to a height of two meters.
Despite its upright growth habit and tall stature, the giant bird-of-paradise is not a tree, but a herbaceous plant. It has no trunk, only woody stems. Over the years, these stems lose their leaves at the base, revealing their light gray color.
The gray-green leaves are attached to the stem by long, thick petioles. They grow in a crown-like arrangement in two rows. Alternate and elliptical in shape, they are nearly two meters long. The leaf blades are leathery but fragile. Outdoors, they are torn by wind, rain, or even hail. They then resemble ostrich feathers or the foliage of a palm tree.
In summer, black and cream-colored flowers bloom. They consist of a green bract from which light-colored sepals and dark petals emerge. Their arrangement is a reminder of the head of an exotic bird and has inspired the nickname “bird of paradise.” Unlike Strelitzia alba or the Mountain Strelitzia, Strelitzia nicolai has a multiple inflorescence. Several spathes, each housing multiple flowers, may overlap one another.
The roots and seeds of Strelitzia nicolai are slightly toxic if ingested. Be sure to keep children and pets away from the plant, especially after flowering.
Our care tips
Your Giant bird of paradise is not a diva. The plant needs plenty of light and regular watering. But for it to flower again, you'll need to overwinter it.
Watering
Strelitzia nicolai appreciate constant but moderate humidity. Before watering your plant, make sure it needs it by touching the surface of the potting soil. If two or three centimetres of the surface is dry, you can water.
If you can, use non-calcareous water such as rainwater or filtered water.
Make sure the water doesn't stagnate in the saucer or planter.
If you can, use non-calcareous water such as rainwater or filtered water.
Make sure the water doesn't stagnate in the saucer or planter.
Misting
Mist the foliage with non-calcareous water at room temperature. This will temporarily increase humidity and prevent pest attacks.
Repotting
Every year in the spring, repot your Strelitzia nicolai to give it more space.
Get a pot with a hole two or three centimetres larger than the previous one. In nature, strelitzia nicolai likes to develop its roots deep down. Don't hesitate to choose a model that's taller than it is wide.
Line the bottom with a layer of clay balls or gravel to optimize drainage. Then add potting soil for flowering plants. Plant your Giant bird of paradise in the center and fill with substrate. Tamp down without damaging the roots.
Cleaning
When the foliage of your Giant bird of paradise is covered with dust, the photosynthesis process is slowed down. To allow the plant to take full advantage of the light, gently wipe the leaves with a clean, damp cloth.
To avoid damaging the largest limbs, support them with one hand while you wash them with the other.
Prune
Cut dead leaves with a sharp, clean tool.
Planting
When the risk of frost has passed, it's time to plant.
If temperatures permit, you can plant your Giant bird of paradise in the ground.
Choose a sunny spot sheltered from the wind. Prepare a mixture of one third sand, one third soil and one third compost. Dig a hole wide and deep enough for your plant.
Place a bed of gravel at the bottom for drainage, followed by a layer of substrate. Plant your specimen in the center and fill in with your mixture. Tamp to eliminate air bubbles and water for the first time.
Sowing
Once the risk of frost has passed, you can sow your Strelitzia nicolai seeds.
Remove the stringy husk covering the seeds. Then soak them for 48 hours in water at 30°. Remember to change the water twice a day to keep it clean.
Prepare pots filled with potting soil for sowing and planting. Place three to ten seeds in each pot. Cover them with three centimetres of substrate.
Place the seedlings in a greenhouse, exposed to light. For the seeds to germinate, the temperature must be between 20 and 30° and the soil must remain moist. Remember to spray and aerate your seedlings for five minutes every day.
When the young shoots appear, you can leave them in the open air.
Taking cuttings
Propagation by cuttings is carried out during the strong growth phase, generally in spring and early summer.
Dig up your Giant bird of paradise plant. Use a spade if necessary, but dig carefully to avoid damaging the root system. Pick clumps with healthy roots and several branches.
Prepare a pierced pot. Pour in a bed of clay balls or gravel to improve drainage, followed by a layer of potting soil for flowering plants.
Plant your plant in the center and fill in with substrate to within three centimeters of the rim. Tamp gently to remove air bubbles without damaging the roots.
Wintering
Strelitzia nicolai need a winter rest period to flower. Reduce watering and install your plant in a room with a temperature of 10 to 15°, such as an unheated veranda or greenhouse.
Diseases / Threats
Information
- Lifecycle
- Perennial
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Exposure
- Sun
- Substrates
- Humus soilSandy soil
- Planting methods
- Open groundIn potsIn tubs
- Categories
- IndoorRhizomeHerbaceousFlowery
- Tags
- BeginnerFloweryLarge potToxic
- Origin
- South Africa
- Hardiness (USDA)
- 10a (-1.1°C ≤ T° < 1.7°C)
- Leaf color
- Green-gray
- Flower colors
- WhiteBlue
- Fruit color
- Brown
Discover plants from the same family
White bird of paradise
Strelitzia alba
Rush-leaved bird of paradise
Strelitzia juncea
Bird of paradise
Strelitzia reginae
Mountain Strelitzia
Strelitzia caudata
Find all our tips in the Monstera application
